Secret Service violates HR218 at Obama Rally

Why is it that Secret Service Agents were confiscating, yes, CONFISCATING the DUTY WEAPONS of off-duty law enforcement who came to support Obama during his visit to Victory Landing Park, in Newport News, Virginia on October 4th 2008? HR218 was created to allow Law Enforcement to carry weapons where ever they go throughout the United States. Today, at the Obama convention, various off duty law enforcement officers were forced by Secret Service to surrender their firearms, which included their department issued firearms. Considering the condition of most downtown Newport News areas, I think it is unreasonable, dangerous and downright unconstitutional that Law Enforcement was forced to surrender their weapons, or face arrest by the secret service for "unspecified charges." I call them that because the Secret Service agent refused to tell me what law I was breaking or what I would be charged with if I refused to surrender my duty weapon. Unfortunately, due to the profanity filter on these forums, I am unable to share with you the exact words that were spoken to my by this Secret Service agent when I calmly asked what law I would be violating and what would happen if I refused to surrender my duty weapon. However I can say is that if any law enforcement officer here in Virginia were to say to a citizen they were speaking with what was said to me, then there would very rapidly be an opening in that officer’s department for a new hire afterwards. I did not want to create a scene, or hinder the Secret Service in their official duties of protecting a potential US presidential candidate, so thinking that perhaps this Secret Service agent was new, or just a hot head of some sort, I handed over my weapon, fully expecting that I could reclaim it afterwards. This particular Secret Service agent was a young hotshot, with an extremely unprofessional attitude and demeanor who refused to identify himself by name, confiscated my duty weapon, as well as several other off duty badge’s duty weapons.

Some of us are now left having to scramble to get another duty service weapon before returning to duty, while our departments will no doubt have to fight the Secret Service’s red tape for an unconstitutional act taken against us, and the illegal confiscation of department issued weapons. And I again reemphasize, that off duty officer’s weapons were confiscated. They were not returned to me or any other of the law enforcement officers, or allowed to re-claim them upon leaving the event. I had to explain to my Sergeant what happened, and upon hearing the news he was most upset, and immediately attempted to contact the Special Agent In Charge who was in charge of the Secret Service detail that was with Obama, to demand why they had illegally confiscated my duty weapon, leaving me with nothing to go on duty with on my shift the following day. He was told by whoever answered the phone to simply call back on Monday, and there would be someone available then to discuss the situation. I am lucky, in that my department had a couple extra firearms on hand, so that I will be able to go on duty tomorrow. I am not sure if the departments of the other officers are that lucky. I do know that one of the officers works for a small town, who no doubt will probably not have an extra weapon to issue to him to allow him to go on duty like my department did. Today was truly a sad, sad day for the Secret Service and their relations with Virginia law enforcement officers. The last thing I wanted was for this to become a political thing, so I will end this by saying that this has me extremely worried about the future gun rights of legitimate, law abiding gun carrying citizens. When it gets to the point that the people who do the best to keep society safe in these ever increasingly unsafe, unfriendly times, are prohibited from possessing firearms issued to them by their own department, it is of grave concern to all citizens everywhere who decide to legally arm and protect themselves and their families from the criminal element, no matter where they live. I thank you very much for taking time to read this, and I do hope that I eventually get my duty weapon back. If the Secret Service refuses to return the weapons, then the departments will need to purchase additional weapons to replace the ones that were illegally confiscated. This will ultimately hurt the taxpayers who support the departments who work so hard to serve and protect, during this ever-increasing budget shortage that is affecting all citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.Thank you.

It was clearly stated in the newspaper that weapons of any kind would not be allowed. Maybe you should have left your gun at home or secured somewhere else? As a taxpayer, I am furious that my tax dollars will have to go towards replacing a weapon confiscated from an off-duty officer attending a non-work related gathering. The city should not be responsible for replacing the weapon.

Now you know how those with concealed weapons permits feel when we can't bring them into restaurants. But wait, if Obama gets elected none of us will be "allowed" to carry guns of any type.

I hope you have seen the light and will now vote for McCain. What were you thinking by attending an Obama rally anyway?? Shame on you Mr. Po-liceman.

HR218 Supporter wrote:

Why is it that Secret Service Agents were confiscating, yes, CONFISCATING the DUTY WEAPONS of off-duty law enforcement who came to support Obama during his visit to Victory Landing Park, in Newport News, Virginia on October 4th 2008? HR218 was created to allow Law Enforcement to carry weapons where ever they go throughout the United States. Today, at the Obama convention, various off duty law enforcement officers were forced by Secret Service to surrender their firearms, which included their department issued firearms. Considering the condition of most downtown Newport News areas, I think it is unreasonable, dangerous and downright unconstitutional that Law Enforcement was forced to surrender their weapons, or face arrest by the secret service for "unspecified charges." I call them that because the Secret Service agent refused to tell me what law I was breaking or what I would be charged with if I refused to surrender my duty weapon. Unfortunately, due to the profanity filter on these forums, I am unable to share with you the exact words that were spoken to my by this Secret Service agent when I calmly asked what law I would be violating and what would happen if I refused to surrender my duty weapon. However I can say is that if any law enforcement officer here in Virginia were to say to a citizen they were speaking with what was said to me, then there would very rapidly be an opening in that officer’s department for a new hire afterwards. I did not want to create a scene, or hinder the Secret Service in their official duties of protecting a potential US presidential candidate, so thinking that perhaps this Secret Service agent was new, or just a hot head of some sort, I handed over my weapon, fully expecting that I could reclaim it afterwards. This particular Secret Service agent was a young hotshot, with an extremely unprofessional attitude and demeanor who refused to identify himself by name, confiscated my duty weapon, as well as several other off duty badge’s duty weapons.

Actually, I believe you are wrong in this. It is my understanding that law enforcement officers are protected under this law, so any signs or advertisements that say "No Weapons Allowed" do not apply to them. Personally, I think that someone in the Secret Service as a LOT of explaining to do. This SS guy had no business using profane language to anyone like that to begin with. I feel that the SS should know about this law, and therefore should have taken a systematic approach to the whole thing. While understanding the need for added security at an event like this, there should have been a check point set up especially for those LICENSED to carry weapons, so that when the event was over, they could return and pick up their weapons. To keep this is utterly rediculous, and I personally think that this particular agent knew he was in the wrong, so that is why he refused to give his name. I hope the people that were affected by this all file formal complaints with the SS office 1st thing Monday morning. It's pretty obvious that these weapons are registered, so it really shouldn't be a problem returning them to their rightful owners.JMHO!

Thug Hunter wrote:

It was clearly stated in the newspaper that weapons of any kind would not be allowed. Maybe you should have left your gun at home or secured somewhere else? As a taxpayer, I am furious that my tax dollars will have to go towards replacing a weapon confiscated from an off-duty officer attending a non-work related gathering. The city should not be responsible for replacing the weapon.

Why is it that Secret Service Agents were confiscating, yes, CONFISCATING the DUTY WEAPONS of off-duty law enforcement who came to support Obama during his visit to Victory Landing Park, in Newport News, Virginia on October 4th 2008? HR218 was created to allow Law Enforcement to carry weapons where ever they go throughout the United States. Today, at the Obama convention, various off duty law enforcement officers were forced by Secret Service to surrender their firearms, which included their department issued firearms. Considering the condition of most downtown Newport News areas, I think it is unreasonable, dangerous and downright unconstitutional that Law Enforcement was forced to surrender their weapons, or face arrest by the secret service for "unspecified charges." I call them that because the Secret Service agent refused to tell me what law I was breaking or what I would be charged with if I refused to surrender my duty weapon. Unfortunately, due to the profanity filter on these forums, I am unable to share with you the exact words that were spoken to my by this Secret Service agent when I calmly asked what law I would be violating and what would happen if I refused to surrender my duty weapon. However I can say is that if any law enforcement officer here in Virginia were to say to a citizen they were speaking with what was said to me, then there would very rapidly be an opening in that officer’s department for a new hire afterwards. I did not want to create a scene, or hinder the Secret Service in their official duties of protecting a potential US presidential candidate, so thinking that perhaps this Secret Service agent was new, or just a hot head of some sort, I handed over my weapon, fully expecting that I could reclaim it afterwards. This particular Secret Service agent was a young hotshot, with an extremely unprofessional attitude and demeanor who refused to identify himself by name, confiscated my duty weapon, as well as several other off duty badge’s duty weapons.

Why is it that Secret Service Agents were confiscating, yes, CONFISCATING the DUTY WEAPONS of off-duty law enforcement who came to support Obama during his visit to Victory Landing Park, in Newport News, Virginia on October 4th 2008? HR218 was created to allow Law Enforcement to carry weapons where ever they go throughout the United States. Today, at the Obama convention, various off duty law enforcement officers were forced by Secret Service to surrender their firearms, which included their department issued firearms. Considering the condition of most downtown Newport News areas, I think it is unreasonable, dangerous and downright unconstitutional that Law Enforcement was forced to surrender their weapons, or face arrest by the secret service for "unspecified charges." I call them that because the Secret Service agent refused to tell me what law I was breaking or what I would be charged with if I refused to surrender my duty weapon. Unfortunately, due to the profanity filter on these forums, I am unable to share with you the exact words that were spoken to my by this Secret Service agent when I calmly asked what law I would be violating and what would happen if I refused to surrender my duty weapon. However I can say is that if any law enforcement officer here in Virginia were to say to a citizen they were speaking with what was said to me, then there would very rapidly be an opening in that officer’s department for a new hire afterwards. I did not want to create a scene, or hinder the Secret Service in their official duties of protecting a potential US presidential candidate, so thinking that perhaps this Secret Service agent was new, or just a hot head of some sort, I handed over my weapon, fully expecting that I could reclaim it afterwards. This particular Secret Service agent was a young hotshot, with an extremely unprofessional attitude and demeanor who refused to identify himself by name, confiscated my duty weapon, as well as several other off duty badge’s duty weapons.

Now you know how those with concealed weapons permits feel when we can't bring them into restaurants. But wait, if Obama gets elected none of us will be "allowed" to carry guns of any type.

Very true!! Obama has stated that he opposes any concealed carry. He also would like to ban ammo for .223 Rem, 308 Win, 9mm, 30-06, 45ACP rifles (ref Chicago Tribune questionnaire). All semiautomatic firearms... Do some research.

As for all you sworn LEO's out there; you were a CIVILIAN before you were a LEO and you'll be a CIVILIAN again someday. If you want a fly-swatter to hold off the bad guy while 911 is on the way (assuming they are not stuck in traffic, on another call, at the far corner of the patrol area... you know), you might want to vote McCain.

I agree with you to a point, but this was an event where Secret Service ran the show. It would've been a smart idea to check with them beforehand. I doubt this guy was forced to hand over his weapon, he could have left. My point was that by voluntarily giving it away at a non-work related function, the city should not have to pay for a new one. The fact that "no weapons allowed" was publicly stated should have made him ask for clarification since he knew the Secret Service would be making that call.

thetruthalwayscomesout wrote:

Actually, I believe you are wrong in this. It is my understanding that law enforcement officers are protected under this law, so any signs or advertisements that say "No Weapons Allowed" do not apply to them. Personally, I think that someone in the Secret Service as a LOT of explaining to do. This SS guy had no business using profane language to anyone like that to begin with. I feel that the SS should know about this law, and therefore should have taken a systematic approach to the whole thing. While understanding the need for added security at an event like this, there should have been a check point set up especially for those LICENSED to carry weapons, so that when the event was over, they could return and pick up their weapons. To keep this is utterly rediculous, and I personally think that this particular agent knew he was in the wrong, so that is why he refused to give his name. I hope the people that were affected by this all file formal complaints with the SS office 1st thing Monday morning. It's pretty obvious that these weapons are registered, so it really shouldn't be a problem returning them to their rightful owners.JMHO!<quoted text>

He says he handed it over to prevent a scene, thinking that he could pick it up later. I wouldn't attend an Obama even if I was paid, fed, and bussed in.(Hmmmmmmmmmm, no Obama does not buy votes.) I can appreciate that he says he didn't make a scene. Nothing pisses me of more than going somewhere and someone wants to yell and scream and delay/prevent anyone else from entering or attending an event. I too thought that HR218 was supposed to protect officers in this situation. I mean hell, from what I heard, 90% of the Newport News Police were there providing security, so the local police officers "on duty" were good enough, and not a threat to the candidate. What if some biggoted angry police officer working the event got a "bright idea" and attempted to do something? I just think it's retarded to think that an off duty virginia police officer was considered a threat and needed to have their department weapons taken. This will be interesting, to see if now the departments have to replace the weapons as the topic starter said, or if the SS will realize that they got a little too excited in protecting someone who might not even get elected, and took weapons they should not have.

Damn, I can't believe that any American could defend the actions of the SS. You must have read up on Hitlers methods before WWII, or maybe you are so in love with the half-breed ape man that you would give up all rights?

See, the SS has absolute control on any event that they are in charge of. Of course you can carry a concealed weapon (regardless if you a LEO or not) Now, im sure at these events there are plenting of WORKING undercover officers that have had their own background check conducted. The SS MUST know each and every person carrying waepons at a campaign rally. They can not have 10,000 people with 50 or so "off duty" armed persons. If you are not WORKING, how that SS agent know that you are a LEO? You can go get a fake badge anywhere. This officer should have asked his supervisor BEFORE hand that he was thinking about attending the event with his weapon. Then let his supervisor address the issue BEFORE the event. Just think, if a small fight or scuffle occured at the event in the MIDDLE of the crowd when suddenly the undercover cop is outnumbered and have his weapon wrestled away from him and a shot is fired. Hats off to the SS for maintaining COMPLETE control of these rallies. No, I would not want 50-75 off-duty ARMED officers in the crowd and NOT part of the working detail team.

Any more info on this?Supposedly all of the major departments in the area had officers attend the rally, and they too had weapons illegally taken. When is this going to stop? If Osama Husein Obama is doing this to law enforcement, then you know he will be coming and looking for you. I guess all you people who support Obama's HR218 violating squad can cry and complain when there is not an officer to respond to your call for assistance, when a thug who illegally posses a weapon is threatening you, and the officer that would be responding to help you is not on duty, because his service weapon was wrongly taken from him.

Any more info on this?Supposedly all of the major departments in the area had officers attend the rally, and they too had weapons illegally taken. When is this going to stop? If Osama Husein Obama is doing this to law enforcement, then you know he will be coming and looking for you. I guess all you people who support Obama's HR218 violating squad can cry and complain when there is not an officer to respond to your call for assistance, when a thug who illegally posses a weapon is threatening you, and the officer that would be responding to help you is not on duty, because his service weapon was wrongly taken from him.

Obama said take the guns??? I think not. The same thing would have happened had it been Bush, Palin, McCain or Biden. HR218 is not a cover all. You cannot just stroll through an Airport, enter Military Jurisdiction and some private property's. It was a bad decision by any who tried, however i think they should have had them returned upon departure.

One of the main attributes of a police officer, if 'HR218 Supporter' actually is a police officer, is common sense. To carry a concealed handgun to a presidential campaign rally shows no common sense. There is no way for the Secret Service to be sure that a guy with a concealed handgun had legitimate paperwork as a police officer. 'HR218' is probably bogus. No police officer would go public with an admission like this.

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